Victor Eklund will play on the NY Islanders top line in his NHL debut

Receiving the call last night that he'd be making his NHL debut with the NY Islanders against the Carolina Hurricanes tonight, Victor Eklund will be given every opportunity to show off his game, placed on the top line alongside Bo Horvat and Simon Holmstrom.

The Swedish winger has had an impressive start to his career in North America, recording two goals and seven assists in his first seven games with the Bridgeport Islanders.

Eklund to start on the top line

Eklund, who will wear No. 73 tonight, was the 16th overall selection in the 2025 NHL Draft. He is listed at only 5'11", but plays his game much bigger than his size. He'll go into the corners and battle with players bigger than him. His compete level is through the roof - something new Head Coach Peter DeBoer will likely be very fond of.

"I think I'm a pretty good example that I work hard every time I'm out on the ice," Eklund said today after his first morning skate. "He's [DeBoer] just a really nice guy, and telling me to enjoy it tonight and that I deserved it. So yeah, I'm excited."

After the Islanders were officially eliminated from playoff contention following Sunday's loss to the Montreal Canadiens, DeBoer said he'd like to get a look at some other players within the organization. Along with Eklund, Liam Foudy has also been recalled.

"I just want them to come in and play," DeBoer said. "This is going to be a bit of a preview of what camp is going to be next year. I think both guys deserve to get a look... I'm excited to see these two guys."

Eklund, whose brother William plays for the San Jose Sharks, says his parents were able to catch a flight from Sweden and will be in attendance for tonight's game.

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